Written by Nathaniel Alvino Risa Prima, Content Writer Intern at Project Child Indonesia
Well, if you have yet heard about International Stress Awareness Week, you don’t need to belittle yourself! This week-long commemoration might not be as profound as other international events out there. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that its role is less significant for society, especially youths.
We all understand that modern lives contribute to modern pressure. Billions of people across the globe have now shifted from a relaxed lifestyle to a more quick-phase and hectic one. It is proven by the fact that there are more people who leave the rural areas and move to the city for the sake of job and opportunities. This phenomenon might lie in the younger generation’s motivation to create better individual lives.
It is peculiarly reflected in the existence of hustle culture as you can read further here. In this matter, youth are the ones who have been prone towards stress due to the external pressures that, later, be internalized by themselves. This difficult situation is usually caused by education responsibilities, social lives, as well as challenges regarding employment.
The data from Champions (2021) shows that around 60% of young adults experience stress due to the pressure to succeed. While the others have instead to deal with mental pressure rooted in self-image, body image, and health.
These overwhelming modern responsibilities and personal complications often lead to psychological stress that is concerning. While it is not justifiable (and rather, impossible) to suggest that we have to leave our social and professional lives to safely escape the mental pressure. At the end of the day, there are life obligations awaiting.
It is also important to note that stress is actually very manageable as long as you do it correctly (the easiest and safest one by seeking assistance from the professionals).
Commemorating Awareness
Since 1998, International Stress Awareness Week has been commemorated as a reminder towards the importance of mental health and emotional management. This year, the (almost) week-long commemoration runs from 1st to 5th November 2021. The topics that are highlighted include the minimum investment within mental health service, that is apparent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we can see, there are many people who experience loss during this pandemic. The world, suddenly, changes drastically to the point that it is no longer the place that we have once ever known. For many, this shift might be too shocking and affects their mental health. While much of government focus and public funding focused on the issue of physical health, the notion of mental health (and its assistance) has instead been left out.
Stress Awareness Week becomes a very pivotal period for everyone to reflect and “take a break”. It is the time for every student and worker to recognise the stress they are involved with at school and their workplace.
The steps might be started by discovering your personal limits, creating boundaries in the workplace and among peers, leaving toxic relationships, as well as getting involved in physical activities such as sports. The purpose is to highlight the physical and mental impact of stress, as well as what we must all do to safeguard our wellbeing.
So, have you taken a break today? Chill out a little, and remember! Your mental health is as equally important as your physical health.
Happy International Stress Awareness Week!
References:
Lupton, Megan. (2021). International stress awareness week 2021: what, when, & which speakers can help?. Champions. Retrieved from https://champions-speakers.co.uk/news/all-about-international-stress-awareness-week
No Name. (2021). International stress awareness week 1-5 november 2021. ISMA. Retrieved from https://isma.org.uk/isma-international-stress-awareness-week
